My research topic is to examine the effects of different exercise types on sleep in people with insomnia.
Studies have shown that people who exercise show physical and psychological benefits (e.g., reduced stress, anxiety, and depression). No studies have identified the minimal intensity needed to affect these changes. This study examined short and long-term effects of different intensity levels of exercise (low vs. moderate) on perceived level of depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Research indicates that the physical and psychological benefits begin rather quickly and at low levels of intensity. Little research is available on low intensity compared to high intensity workouts.
With an increase in sedentary lifestyle in America and a decrease in the ability and desire to dedicate a large amount of time to physical fitness, it is important to continue to educate individuals about the positive effects of even the smallest amount of exercise. Often people may believe that they must spend hours at a gym or complete grueling workouts to see any physical or psychological benefits. These beliefs might build a mental wall of resistance toward working out which, in turn, may increase the likelihood of a sedentary lifestyle. This study suggests that even low intensity exercise produces psychological benefits and those short-term benefits are significantly greater than those who participate in moderate exercise intensity. This is especially important to emphasize to those individuals who may only be able to participate in low intensity exercise due to specific physical or medical limitations (e.g., those with COPD, arthritis, physical injury, pregnancy, gait disturbances, etc.).
This article helped me to understand some of the psychological benefits of exercise on physical well being. It is very applicable to my topic and will help me to better understand the relationship between exercise and sleep; in particular how exercise can affect insomniacs with issues of anxiety and depression.
(obtained from an unpublished pilot study given to me by Dr.Taylor)
jorge, are there any other studies that have investigated this in ore detail> Im just curious, i have never heard of exercise approached as method of dealing with insomnia
ReplyDeleteYou have a lot of good material here that you should consider adding to your literature review. When you design your study you will need to decide how long and how intense the exercise should be as well as its timing. You will need to justify your decisions, and should use what you are reading and telling us about here.
ReplyDeleteDr. Kirk